ARK Volunteer Agreement

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1. 1. Volunteering period

   The Volunteer will participate in the ARK Volunteer Program for a maximum period of 30 consecutive days.

   Start date

   End date

   The volunteering period may end earlier by agreement of the parties or by termination in accordance with this Agreement.

   This Agreement does not establish an employment relationship.

2. 2. Place of volunteering

   The volunteering takes place at:

   ARK Village / ARK, Apatin area, Serbia

   and, where appropriate, at other locations directly connected with an agreed ARK project or activity.

3. 3. Volunteering activities

   The Volunteer may participate in activities supporting the development, maintenance, ecological, educational and creative projects of ARK.

   Depending on the Volunteer’s skills and the current needs of ARK, activities may include:

   • gardening and permaculture
   • planting and plant propagation
   • orchard and food-forest development
   • ecological and biodiversity projects
   • animal care
   • composting and soil improvement
   • maintenance and landscaping
   • woodworking and practical workshop activities
   • creative projects, art and sculpture
   • photography, video and documentation
   • design, communication and marketing
   • educational activities and workshops
   • preparation for ARK events and seasonal activities

   Specific activities will be agreed according to the Volunteer’s skills, the season and current ARK projects.

4. 4. Volunteer’s contribution

   The Volunteer agrees to:

   • participate responsibly in agreed activities;
   • use reasonable care when working with tools, equipment, animals and natural surroundings;
   • follow reasonable safety instructions;
   • respect other volunteers, residents, guests and ARK staff;
   • keep shared accommodation and working areas reasonably clean;
   • share relevant knowledge and skills with the ARK community where appropriate;
   • respect ARK property and the natural environment.

   The Volunteer is expected to contribute according to their agreed activities and abilities.

5. 5. Accommodation and support

   During the agreed volunteering period, ARK may provide:

   • accommodation;
   • agreed basic food or meals;
   • access to agreed ARK facilities;
   • access to appropriate tools and working areas;
   • participation in ARK educational, community and recreational activities.

   The exact arrangements will be agreed with the Volunteer before arrival.

   Accommodation and other support provided within the volunteer program are not salary or payment for work.

6. 6. Costs and expenses

   The parties agree in advance which volunteering-related costs, if any, will be covered or reimbursed by ARK.

   No salary, fee or other payment for the Volunteer’s work is agreed under this Agreement.

   Any reimbursement of necessary and previously agreed volunteering-related expenses shall be made in accordance with applicable law and ARK procedures.

7. 7. Training and safety

   Before performing activities requiring specific knowledge or skills, the Volunteer will receive appropriate instructions or orientation.

   The Volunteer agrees not to use machinery, tools or equipment for which they have not received appropriate permission or instruction.

   The Volunteer must immediately report any accident, injury, unsafe condition or damage to ARK staff.

8. 8. Volunteer’s personal responsibility

   The Volunteer confirms that they have provided accurate information about their skills and relevant experience.

   The Volunteer is responsible for informing ARK about any limitation that could affect their safe participation in an activity.

   The Volunteer agrees to follow applicable Serbian laws and ARK’s reasonable rules during their stay.

9. 9. Maximum stay

   A single ARK Volunteer Agreement may cover a period of no more than 30 consecutive days.

   Any future participation in the ARK Volunteer Program requires a new agreement and must comply with applicable law.

10. 10. Termination

    The Volunteer may terminate this Agreement at any time in accordance with the applicable law.

    ARK may terminate the Agreement in accordance with applicable law, including in cases of serious violation of safety rules, serious damage to ARK property, unacceptable behaviour, or failure to comply with agreed volunteering responsibilities.

    The parties may also terminate the Agreement by mutual agreement.

11. 11. No employment relationship

    The parties expressly acknowledge that this Agreement concerns volunteering and does not establish an employment relationship.

    The Volunteer is not entitled to salary or other remuneration for volunteering activities.

    The activities covered by this Agreement must not be used as a substitute for regular employment or another legally regulated form of paid work.

12. 12. Final provisions

    The parties confirm that they have read and understood this Agreement and voluntarily accept its terms.

    Any matters not expressly regulated by this Agreement shall be governed by the applicable laws of the Republic of Serbia.

    This Agreement is made in two identical copies, one for each party.